Written by Mike Creighton on 2023-07-13
Morning bird song, Martin Down
Birds . Field Trip . FloraOn a very clear and cool June morning I was joined by two enterprising people to explore the possibilities of Martin Down habitat. On opening the car door I was surprised to hear three Skylark already in song although it was still dark. They stopped shortly afterwards but sang again later and were joined by
Written by Mike Creighton on 2023-03-27
Volunteer Surveyors needed
UncategorizedWe are delighted to offer some assistance in recruiting volunteers to help in finding and recording one of Britain’s rarest hoverflies – on the doorstep of Southampton, in the New Forest. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Green Forest Hoverfly (Caliprobola speciosa) which is confined to only two locations in the UK, one of which is
Written by Mike Creighton on 2023-03-25
The Fascinating World of Thick-knees
Birds . Natural History . Video DiaryThick-knees are a unique group of birds found worldwide, with ten different species that share similar physical characteristics such as yellow legs, black and yellow beaks, and big yellow eyes. Despite looking alike, thick-knees differ in behavior and habitat. Here we look at the Stone Curlew, or Eurasian Thick-knee, found in Hampshire and Wiltshire in
Written by Mike Creighton on 2023-03-22
John Vetterlein
Biography . Natural History . PhotographyJohn Vetterlein sadly died earlier this year. This tribute by Bruce Larner is an extract from the Annual Report 2022, recently published. John will be missed by family, friends and anyone who has had the pleasure to join him looking at the flora and, particularly, the butterflies of Southampton Old Cemetery and further afield. The
Written by Mike Creighton on 2022-04-12
Budding volunteers required for wildflower surveys
Flora . Volunteering . Wild flowersSouthampton City Council is looking for volunteers to help survey the wildflower meadows which are springing up across the city. There will be a three hour training session and the surveys will take place in June and September. For more information and to volunteer please follow this link. https://www.southampton.gov.uk/our-greener-city/how-you-can-help/wildflower-surveys/
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-09-28
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
Birds . Field Trip . Flora . Insects . MammalsRecently Southampton Natural History Society had a guided walk to this small jewel of a nature reserve on the outskirts of Southampton. This week a couple of us joined a small group from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) for a small mammal survey. Swanwick Lakes, once a clay pit for a local
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-09-24
Bright eyes
Mammals . Natural History . Video DiaryKeeping your eyes and ears open, using all your senses, is what all people with an interest in wildlife do all the time. Making observations, submitting records and so on. And occasionally there is a helping hand. Here a security camera caught the eyes of a young deer taking a stroll up a driveway. In
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-08-09
Bioblitz – Marwell Zoo
Natural HistoryMarwell Zoo is hosting another bioblitz on Sunday 15th September, and they are looking for people with some expertise to help with the identification of species that are observed. Whether you are confident across a range of species or an expert in just one family, Marwell Zoo will want to hear from you. They are
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-07-01
Alarming drones
Natural HistoryOut in the garden, examing the moth trap (that didn’t take long – we’re catching little or nothing this year) when we heard the screaming of birds in the sky. First thought was gulls rising for an ant swarm, but it soon became clear the sound was more like a wader alarm call. Finally we
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-05-05
International Dawn Chorus Day
Birds . Field Trip . Natural HistoryThe first Sunday in May is International Dawn Chorus Day. What started as a 4am birthday party in the 1980s – hosted by naturalist Chris Baines in the Midlands – has now spread throughout the UK and across the world. And in a little bit of the New Forest 5 hardy souls braved the 1c